‘He’s let his team and his manager down’: Premier League ace reportedly offered to Spurs gets slated

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Reported Tottenham Hotspur target Ryan Fraser has been criticised by Jamie O’Hara for his apparent contract stance, in conversation with talkSPORT.

The Bourmemouth man, who has been linked with numerous clubs over the past few months, is said to have turned down the offer of a short-term contract for the rest of the season.

The Times thinks Fraser’s fear is that he could sustain an injury and risk putting a future move in jeopardy, but the Cherries are still hopeful they can persuade him to sign.

The outlet also claims that the 26-year-old changed his agents in order to pursue a move away from Bournemouth, with discussions having taken place with Tottenham, Arsenal and Everton.

Former Spurs midfielder O’Hara believes Fraser would be showing a lack of loyalty if he chooses not to play for the relegation-threatened club when the season resumes.

“He’s a good player, but would he be a Premiership player without Eddie Howe and without Bournemouth? They took him in League One,” O’Hara told talkSPORT.

“Because of Eddie Howe they’ve been able to get in the Premier League because he’s such a fantastic manager. I think he’s let his team and his manager down.

“It shows the lack of loyalty with players, and you can see why players get loads of stick in the Premier League, especially, because there is so much money to be made.

“The lack of loyalty when this kind of thing happens show. Bournemouth are a fantastic football club and they need him.

“It’s not like they are mid-table and they’re going to coast through and see the season out. They are in a massive dogfight and they need their best players and he has been one of their best players.”

Fraser joined the Cherries in January 2013 from Aberdeen and has made 208 appearances for the south coast club, claiming 24 goals and 33 assists in that time.

He was especially impressive last season for Bournemouth, registering seven goals and 14 assists in the Premier League.

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As much as O’Hara has a point, he has to bear in mind that this kind of situation is unprecedented and as such, tough decisions have to be made.

While you’re talking about loyalty and commitment to the cause, you have to bear in mind that, if Fraser signs this new short-term deal and suffers an ACL injury or leg break, he’ll end up having to undergo months of rehabilitation whilst being out of work.

That said, it’s tough on the clubs too – the football industry has been dealt a huge blow by the measures put in place in wake of the global health crisis and, although it’s never good being relegated, there’s no worse time to suffer the drop than this year.

Here’s a suggestion – offer Fraser a one-year contract, perhaps on a slightly reduced salary, so he’s covered if he suffers a long-term injury, and the Cherries not only save a bit of money by having to pay less on his wages but can recoup a bit of a transfer fee for him this summer.